Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Garden Grove is 163% more expensive than Independence.

$1,971/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 46%
$90,166/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 34%
$765,500 ↑ 360%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 78%
$2,016/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 48%
170,603
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $910/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,920/year.

Median household income is $30,686/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Independence — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Independence?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $910/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Independence?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $30,686/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Independence

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor